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Smiles are the payoff. Watching sick kids have fun with their friends and forgetting about their health problems for a while is why Entertainer Rusty James devotes his energy into Music Fest, a day long fundraiser that takes place annually at the Creamery in Brantford.
This year and in
2007, proceeds from the charity music marathon have supported McMaster
Children's Hospital in Hamilton Ontario. One of Canada's largest
pediatric facilities, the hospital serves some 150,000 children and
their families every year. James got hooked on the cause after visiting
the hospital last year. This is an awesome thing. When you see kids and
the joy on their faces... your money isn't going into a blind pool of
research funds: it's being used to make them happy. "You just don't
know how long some of these kids have, but while they're at the
hospital, we can help to make their stay some what enjoyable."
Together with the similar event held in Waterford, Music Fest 07 raised $13,000. The cash refurbished a community room at the hospital which had been damaged by flooding, equipping it with new furnishings and electronics, including an Xbox 360 and Wii system. This year, the proceeds from the Music fest 2008 program will be going directly to the new "Kids only" emergency room. Once again, another $10,800 will go directly to what the kids need when they arrive in a critical state.
Together with the similar event held in Waterford, Music Fest 07 raised $13,000. The cash refurbished a community room at the hospital which had been damaged by flooding, equipping it with new furnishings and electronics, including an Xbox 360 and Wii system. This year, the proceeds from the Music fest 2008 program will be going directly to the new "Kids only" emergency room. Once again, another $10,800 will go directly to what the kids need when they arrive in a critical state.
James, who
performs at both events, co-ordinated the entertainment for Music Fest,
which featured an array of local talent, all donating their time and
talent for this very worthy cause. With a relaxed atmosphere and lots
of prize draws and giveaways, it's a fun, laidback couple of days, say
James. He first got involved in Music Fest four years ago, at the
request of the Creamery Owner, Dwight Ayerhart. It's one of a few
select charity performances for the musician, who has a busy schedule
with shows every weekend as well as session work in recording studios.
Now 47, James has been making music steadily since first joining a band in elementary school. By 14, he was working as a radio DJ spinner, widening his musical appetite by playing selections from a variety of genres. A rocker at heart, James widened his repertoire to include old standards and country after moving to Brantford. "I was told if I didn't know country, I wouldn't get the work," he says with a laugh. With some 300 standard and country tunes under his belt, "I love it now." But it's just one section of a wide array of tunes from this versatile performer, who can turn out some 800 songs. R&B, light jazz, easy listening, oldies, retro dance and, of course, rock, are all on the menu.
A Multi-instrumentalist, James usually plays guitar during his solo shows, using backing tracks he's laid down on his Orchestrator to supply a full band sound. At Music Fest, he plays a mix of crowd favourites and his own tunes from his Cds. "One of the things I noticed about Brantford is how diverse the audience is, they're all over the map." Originally from Whitby, the married father of two moved here with his family six years ago. Currently recording his second independent Cd of original music, James says performing is his vital outlet, "I've always loved playing music, it's my vent."
Now 47, James has been making music steadily since first joining a band in elementary school. By 14, he was working as a radio DJ spinner, widening his musical appetite by playing selections from a variety of genres. A rocker at heart, James widened his repertoire to include old standards and country after moving to Brantford. "I was told if I didn't know country, I wouldn't get the work," he says with a laugh. With some 300 standard and country tunes under his belt, "I love it now." But it's just one section of a wide array of tunes from this versatile performer, who can turn out some 800 songs. R&B, light jazz, easy listening, oldies, retro dance and, of course, rock, are all on the menu.
A Multi-instrumentalist, James usually plays guitar during his solo shows, using backing tracks he's laid down on his Orchestrator to supply a full band sound. At Music Fest, he plays a mix of crowd favourites and his own tunes from his Cds. "One of the things I noticed about Brantford is how diverse the audience is, they're all over the map." Originally from Whitby, the married father of two moved here with his family six years ago. Currently recording his second independent Cd of original music, James says performing is his vital outlet, "I've always loved playing music, it's my vent."
Elizabeth Yates
Brantford, Ont.
